New Delhi, Jan 26 (IANS) Meghalaya will honour the contributions of women-led cooperative societies and self- help groups (SHGs) through its tableau during the Republic Day parade on Rajpath on Wednesday.
The tableau will showcase bamboo and cane handicrafts and Lakadong turmeric. The success and popularity of these products are testimony to the relentless efforts of the women-led cooperative societies and SHGs; and their contribution to the state’s economy.
Notably, Meghalaya is currently celebrating its 50 years of statehood.
The front part of the tableau will depict a woman weaving a bamboo basket and the several bamboo and cane products of Meghalaya. The bamboo and cane handicrafts in the state once declined due to the availability of cheaper mass-produced plastic alternatives.
Determined to revive this craft, women across several villages in Meghalaya came together to form cooperative societies and SHGs, which now cater to demands from across the globe, thus improving the livelihoods of numerous artisans.
The rear portion of the tableau depicts the traditional farming and processing of Lakadong turmeric. Lakadong turmeric, renowned for its high curcumin content, attained global-fame due to the efforts of women-led cooperative societies and SHGs from Jaintia Hills in Meghalaya.
The entire value-chain is driven by women-led cooperatives and SHGs.
The rear portion also shows the commemorative logo of Meghalaya’s 50th year of statehood.
–IANS
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